Warne eyes 2009 Ashes

Posted Monday, 8 May, 2006 in International News

Shane Warne has an eye on the next Ashes series in England, believing he could still be playing Test cricket in three years.

It was assumed that last year's epic Ashes contest was to be Warne's last in England, but the 36-year-old, who walked away from the one-day arena three years ago, said there is no reason to presume he is close to retiring all together.

"If I'm bowling well and enjoying it, I've got no right to say this is my last Test match in Sydney next year," the 140 Test veteran told AFP.

"Who knows? I might be able to make another Ashes series out here (England) in 2009.

Former Australian leg-spinner Richie Benaud believes Warne should keep going until the he turns 40 and Warne says it's an opinion he respects.

"Whether I can do that or not I don't know. I know that Richie thinks I can. And if Richie wants me to do that, I'll try my best," he told the Sunday Times.

Warne certainly has shown no signs of slowing down after returning to the field following as 12 month suspension and injury lay-offs.

In the past 10 months he has claimed 102 Test wickets and he also led Hampshire to runners-up in the English county championship last year.

"Cricket's my hobby, my passion, my love. It's what I am, a cricketer and I'm not anything else and I don't pretend to be," he said.

"I love playing the game, talking about the game."

Warne, who is set to become the first bowler to take 1000 Test wickets if he maintains his present strike-rate, also denied he is eying the Australian captaincy.

"I enjoy being [Hampshire] captain. I think it brings out the best in me. I don't aspire to take over from Ricky Ponting [as Australia captain]. I don't," he said.

"I am very honoured to captain a county and think the guys have enjoyed me doing it. We (Hampshire) have done pretty well."